Wildlifeof Bhutan
House Swift
Nightjars, Frogmouths & Swifts
Photo: Opisska · CC0
Apus nipalensis
Also known as: Apus affinis nipalensis
AviList (2026) treats this bird as a subspecies, Apus affinis nipalensis, of the Little Swift (Apus affinis), which is not listed separately on this site. IOC lists it as a separate species.
Basic stats
Diet
Insects, caught in the air
Habitat
Cliffs and urban areas; under roof overhangs and in tunnels
Range
Nepal to south-eastern China, Japan and Southeast Asia
Clutch size
1–5 eggs
Incubation period
20–30 days
Size
14–16cm
Weight
About 20–35g
The house swift is a small bird, but a medium-sized swift, 14 to 16cm long and weighing about 20 to 35g. It has black plumage, darker than the little swift, with a white rump band and a white throat patch and a dark, slightly forked tail. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the little swift (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is highly aerial and nests in cliffs or in urban areas, under roof overhangs or in tunnels. It builds a nest by sticking leaves, twigs and feathers together with saliva, with generally two broods a year. Clutches vary from one to five eggs, incubated for 20 to 30 days. The account opened names Nepal but not Bhutan.
Quick answers
- What does the House Swift eat?
- Insects, caught in the air
- What habitat does the House Swift live in?
- Cliffs and urban areas; under roof overhangs and in tunnels
- Where is the House Swift found?
- Nepal to south-eastern China, Japan and Southeast Asia
- How many eggs does the House Swift lay?
- 1–5 eggs
- How long are the eggs of the House Swift incubated?
- 20–30 days
- How big is the House Swift?
- 14–16cm
- How much does the House Swift weigh?
- About 20–35g